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Pavelec takes to the ice … Could the Kings be interested in Richards or Iginla if they become available? Pominville takes 1st step to returning
Mark Easson
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: Atlanta Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec returned to practice yesterday for the first time since his collapse the other week. After many tests, it was determined he had a neurocardiogenic syncope episode, or in English, a fainting spell. When he banged his head off the ice, it gave him a concussion. What caused him to faint is still unknown. “They said there are so many reasons it could have happened, but they couldn’t find it. A lot of times it will never happen again. Hopefully, it never happens again.” No timetable is set for his return to game action, it will depend on how quickly he can get into game shape. Pavelec said it was the 4th concussion he’s suffered, 2 from soccer, 2 from hockey.
Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Matt Green will likely return to the LA Kings lineup later this week. The Kings also have available salary cap room to add a big name player if they chose. If the Dallas Stars consider trading Brad Richards, the Kings could be interested. If Calgary wants to rebuild and Jarome Iginla becomes available, he could be an excellent fit in LA.
Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston: Marc Savard skated for the 3rd time yesterday. “I’m obviously feeling better because I’m out skating,” Savard told ESPNBoston.com on Tuesday after his skate. “That’s good news, but I’m still definitely not 100 percent. I still have some issues, but a lot of them aren’t from the injury. My head isn’t screwed up after I work out right now. Obviously, there are other on-going issues.”
Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton Oilers coach Tom Renney is trying out some new line combinations. Ales Hemsky – Shawn Horcoff – Magnus Paajarvi, Dustin Penner – Sam Gagner – Jordan Eberle, and Taylor Hall – Andrew Cogliano – Gilbert Brule.
Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: The Vancouver Canucks played last night without 2 of their key off-season acquisitions, Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard. Ballard missed his 2nd consecutive game after suffering a concussion on Friday, he didn’t make the trip with the team and won’t play tonight. X-rays were negative on Keith Ballard’s foot after blocking a shot on Sunday.
John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Buffalo Sabres winger Jason Pominville said he never saw Niklas Hjalmarsson coming on the hit that gave him a concussion. Pominville took part in an off-ice, light workout yesterday for the first time since the injury. If he has no symptoms today, he’ll increase the workload slightly.
Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Matt Walker has yet to play a game for them since being acquired for Simon Gagne, and will be out 10-12 weeks after undergoing surgery on a bony impingement and a torn labrum in his right hip.
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitiution: Thrashers defenseman Tobias Enstrom is already the teams leading scorer for a defenseman, and will become the clubs new ironman, playing in his 252nd consecutive game tonight. He hasn’t missed a game since joining the club in 2007-08.